Trapattoni committed to Republic

Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has revealed he dismissed a recent proposal to take up a position at Celtic.

The former Italy and Juventus manager has been linked with an advisory role at Parkhead as Celtic prepare to make an announcement over their managerial vacancy.

Giovanni Trapattoni

The 71-year-old, who turned down an approach from Juve earlier this year, said: “It was not the Celtic chairman, but someone close to him, close to the club, a former player, who approached me three to four months ago and asked would I be interested in a position. But I say no, I am with Ireland. I also had two or three teams ask me in Italy, and two English teams.”

He added: “I told them all the same answer – that I am with Ireland.”

Neil Lennon is the runaway favourite for the Celtic job after leading the club to eight consecutive Clydesdale Bank Premier League victories following Tony Mowbray’s sacking on March 25.

His lack of managerial experience is seen as the only obstacle to his appointment with the introduction of an experienced director of football mooted as a solution.